In
Action...
Peugeot Baby Slides Into View
Prepare for a supermini revolution! They might
be a more common sight on Dormobiles and old Ford Transit vans,
but Peugeot has fitted electric sliding doors to its new 1007.
And here are the very first official pictures of the clever showroom-ready
baby.
The freshly christened "one thousand and
seven" is based on the French firm's Sésame concept,
which wowed the crowds at the Paris Motor Show in 2002. Peugeot
will use the "double-O" numbering system to denote all
new niche vehicles in its range. The prefix relates to the size
of the car in relation to other models in the manufacturer's line-up
- so the 1007 slots in above the forthcoming 107 supermini.
The chunky newcomer is based on the same platform
as the C2 and C3 from partner Citroen. It is 10cm shorter than
a 206. However, when it arrives in British showrooms next May,
the newcomer isn't intended to replace the ageing 106. Instead,
a more conventional successor, the 107, launches next year.
A Peugeot spokesman told Auto Express that prices
for the 1007 should start at around £10,000, and the firm
hopes to sell 18,000 cars in the first full year of UK sales,
which is 2006.
As you would expect from a model priced above
entry-level versions of the 206, the 1007 comes with a generous
level of equipment. Seven airbags, electric power-steering, ESP
stability control and air-con are standard-fit, although final
specifications are still being decided. Flagship models will be
available with voice-activated satellite-navigation and a huge
panoramic glass sunroof.
As these pictures show, the gaping grille and
cat-like 'eyes' provide the supermini with Peugeot's new corporate
look. However, the 1007 is best seen from the rear, where the
rails for the sliding doors integrate neatly with a classy metal
panel. Sadly, though, engineers couldn't fit the handle mechanism
inside the openings, so it stands proud of the body and looks
rather clumsy.
The doors themselves are more than a metre long
and weigh 40kg each. They provide excellent access to the interior
and can even be operated using the key fob. When open, they stay
within the width of the door mirrors, making the car ideal for
parking in narrow spaces. Despite its spacious interior, the 1007
is only a four-seater, but the two rear chairs slide forwards
and backwards to create more luggage space. When larger loads
are being carried, they fold out of the way.
A selection of 12 colour-coded kits will allow
customers to personalise their model's cabin. Priced at around
£175 each, the packs include zip-in seat panels, air vent
surrounds and door panels, and take just minutes to fit. Owners
will get a second set with every car. There will be a selection
of three engines at launch. Buyers will be able to choose from
1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol powerplants, or opt for a 1.4-litre HDi
diesel. Backing the 1007's urban credentials, Peugeot's new 2
Tronic clutchless manual transmission will also be available.
The gearbox will be an option with the smaller
petrol engine and the only choice for buyers of the 1.6-litre
unit. The two-pedal set-up can operate as a fully automatic shift
or allow the driver to select ratios sequentially via the gearstick
or column-mounted paddles. Ross Pinnock
